The sands of time? Ageing Everton defence must be revamped

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With Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Ashley Williams all in their 30s have Everton overlooked a serious issue.

Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace and Leighton Baines of Everton compete for the ball

Everton have had a torrid start to the season. Despite spending big this summer they have struggled. They are out of the League Cup, out of the Europa League and hopes of a top-six finish are completely shattered after an awful start to the campaign.

Optimism was high in the summer, with the introduction of players such as Gylfi Sigurdsson, Wayne Rooney and Jordan Pickford. However, Everton did not do something they have needed to do for some time – freshen up the back-four.

They did sign Michael Keane, a great addition, but his arrival was simply not enough. Phil Jagielka’s best years have long been behind him. For two seasons he has struggled now and the 35-year-old’s recovery pace, such a key part of his game, has deserted him.

Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea and Phil Jagielka of Everton in action

Ashley Williams’ drop in form has been fa more dramatic. The 33-year-old was showing signs of his ailing ability at the tail-end of last term and this season he has struggled, for club and country.

Leighton Baines will go down as an Everton great. That said, he turns 33 next month and attacking was always the highlight of his game. He was a potent threat going forward but his defensive input often let him down. Now he struggles to impact the game in the attacking third, his weaknesses going backward are far more noticeable.

Leighton Baines of Everton puts pressure on Will Hughes of Watford

Add to that the long-term injuries to Seamus Coleman and Ramiro Funes Mori and the inexperience of Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate and it must be asked why Everton did not do more to strengthen the back-line – the addition of Cuco Martina was certainly not enough.

The sands of time are running out on the Everton defence and freshening up again in January is surely necessary if they are to push for a top-half finish in the second half of the campaign.